As May 10th approaches, Max Davis, who recently moved to the D.C. area from Utah, is preparing for a deeply personal challenge at the Washington Monument.
On Sunday at 7 a.m., he will begin what amounts to a full marathon—26.2 miles completed entirely by running laps around the Monument. By his own calculation, that’s roughly 327 laps. With very little formal training, he still plans to push through several hours of continuous movement and repetition.
The effort is rooted in something far more personal than endurance. May 10th marks three years since Max lost his brother, Beck, to suicide. The two were extremely close in age and shared a strong bond throughout their lives.
In the years since that loss, Max started the Beck Davis Survivors of Loss Foundation, focused on helping families navigate grief, especially in the early stages. The organization works to support practical needs such as funeral costs, therapy expenses, and time away from work—areas that are often overlooked during bereavement.
Max shared the plan on social media, inviting local runners to join him, which quickly gained significant attention and interest. For Max, the run is both a physical challenge and a tribute, blending endurance with remembrance. It reflects his ongoing effort to keep his brother’s memory present while also supporting others experiencing similar loss.
The run begins Sunday morning, one lap at a time, circling a landmark that will serve as the backdrop for a very personal milestone.